Ana truly loves what she does, and takes great pride in her work as a professional. She will always advise the client of the best way to maintain the value and integrity of any piece through the Gilding or Restoring of that piece. She is always aware that it is the client and their total satisfaction that she is working for and the commission is never finished until the client is totally satisfied.
about
A Family of Creatives
Ana is a Master Gilder and Restorer of furniture and antiques. In 2010 she married a native born Vancouverite and moved to Vancouver, Canada, where she currently lives and works.
Ana was born in Madrid, Spain, into a family that has, for over 3 generations been making fine furniture. Her sister is an accomplished interior designer in Madrid, her brother is a respected architect and her mother is an accomplished artist in the making of traditional Orthodox Religious Icons, with embossed silver. With this family and background, it was always Ana’s desire to go on to a profession in the arts.
Education, Courses & Designations
Student at Applied Arts and Artistic Professions
Superior Technician of Plastic Arts and Design in Gilding, Silvering and Polychrome, Honors
Madrid, Spain
Student of Conservation and Restoration of Paintings
On wooden panels, furniture, and wooden frames
Educator
Instructor of Gilding Processes
Both Private and at Schools of Art
Spain and Canada
Master Gilder & Restorer
Over 35 years experience
Master of Water Gilding
Career Highlights
Since her graduation in 1986, she has also held five personal exhibitions of her art throughout her career and has participated in various other group exhibitions in Spain and abroad. Her art includes the making and Gilding of traditional Italian Religious Icons, like her mother, oriental themes, on top of her own unique art pieces. Since moving to Vancouver her artistic focus has been on oriental art, specifically the Art of China.
In 2008 she collaborated in the construction of a new alter for Our Lady of the Castle in the Church of Saint Cristobal, in Extremadura, Spain, where she was the Master Gilder in charge of all Gilding.
In 2010, upon her arrival in Vancouver, she was immediately retained to Gild the main alter, two side alters and alter rails for Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, in Vancouver. Ana uses only the best materials for the commission, such as the best gesso and gold leaf (22 karat to 24 karat) and other items used in Restoration and Gilding that she sources from various places in Europe. She feels that using the finest materials as well as the best technique, is the only way to ensure the best result.
ANA’S CLASSES
Traditional Water Gilding
Use genuine gold leaf on a wooden board using the ancient techniques used during the Middle Ages
Masterclass Gilding on Paper
Learn how to incorporate gold leaf into paintings, drawings, and calligraphy on both paper and canvas